DRIVERS who leased cars from Nissan dealerships could be getting a check from a $3.2 million settlement.
The huge sum is being paid out after dealerships allegedly cheated customers out of their hard-earned cash.
GettyNissan customers could be getting a check from a $3.2 million settlement (stock image)[/caption] GettyIt comes after eight dealerships were probed for allegedly cheating customers (stock image)[/caption]The settlement stems from an investigation into eight Nissan dealerships in the New York City area.
New York Attorney General Letitia began investigating after customers complained they were overcharged and given inaccurate receipts after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The victims were customers who wanted to buy a leased vehicle after their lease contract ended, which is known as an end-of-lease buyout.
They were supposed to be allowed to buy the car for a set amount after the lease term ended, per their contract.
But when they went to the dealership to buy the car, the total was higher than the amount on the paperwork.
The attorney general found that 1,700 New Yorkers were “substantially” overcharged.
They were made to pay miscellaneous “dealership fees” or “administrative fees” that dramatically inflated the vehicle’s price.
“Buying a car is a major financial decision, and no one should have to worry about dealers using illegal junk fees to drive up the price,” James said.
“These car dealers misled their customers with bogus fees and other costs to cheat them out of their hard-earned money.
“My office’s investigation will put money back in the pockets of defrauded New Yorkers and require these dealers to steer clear of violating our laws and deceiving consumers.”
Eight Nissan dealerships were named in the investigation – Action Nissan, Bay Ridge Nissan, Legend Nissan, Garden City Nissan, Huntington Nissan, Rockaway Nissan, Smithtown Nissan, and Teddy Nissan.
They are being required to pay $400,000 in penalties and $2.8 million to 1,700 customers.
Some dealerships have already started sending checks to affected customers.
Restitution is being mailed automatically, and drivers don’t need to take action to receive their money.
But anyone who thinks they were overcharged and hasn’t heard from the state can still file a complaint.
New Yorkers can fill out the Consumer Frauds Complaint Form online.
Eight dealerships forced to issue checks to customers
Action Nissan in Rockland County will pay $157,958.59 to 192 overcharged consumers and pay a $47,920 penalty Bay Ridge Nissan in Brooklyn will pay $23,624 to 46 overcharged consumers and pay a $11,960 penalty Garden City Nissan in Nassau County will pay $824,013 to 361 overcharged consumers and pay a $89,624 penalty Huntington Nissan in Suffolk County will pay $426,654 to 275 overcharged consumers and pay a $68,750 penalty Legend Nissan in Syosset, Nassau County will pay $333,482 to 233 overcharged consumers and pay a $20,000 penalty Rockaway Nissan in Queens will pay $308,918 to 177 overcharged consumers and pay a $44,250 penalty Smithtown Nissan in Suffolk County will pay $643,640 to 321 overcharged consumers and pay a $80,250 penalty Teddy Nissan in the Bronx will pay $108,773 to 156 overcharged consumers and pay a $35,560 penaltyThe attorney general’s office has now taken action against 15 Nissan dealers over lease buyout scams.
In June 2024, two other Long Island dealerships were ordered to pay more than $350,000 combined.
And in March 2024, Baron Nissan and Nissan of Westbury were hit with a $1.9 million settlement.
The state has recovered more than $4.5 million for over 2,800 consumers in total.
Nissan dealerships have also agreed to clean up their invoicing practices going forward.
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